Postdoctoral Fellowship Opportunities: An Overview
Explore the fellowship schemes below and feel free to contact relevant academic staff to discuss your ideas. Use this information to get an overview of the opportunities available, but always visit the funders’ websites for the most up‑to‑date guidance and deadlines, which can vary year-on-year.
Horizon Europe Marie Skłodowska‑Curie Postdoctoral Fellowships
Two‑year fellowships for researchers joining an established group in the Department. Open to applicants of any nationality with a PhD and up to 8 years’ postdoctoral experience, provided they have not spent more than 12 of the past 36 months in the UK. Deadlines are usually in September (internal deadlines from July). Funding provides an allowance towards living, travel and family costs. Applications are submitted via the EU Participant Portal.
NERC Independent Research Fellowships
Five‑year fellowships designed to develop scientific leadership in promising early‑career environmental scientists. Open to applicants of any nationality who do not hold a permanent academic post and will have submitted their PhD thesis before interview (typically the following March). Deadlines are usually early October (internal deadlines in August). Applications are submitted via the University’s Research Operations Office.
STFC Ernest Rutherford Fellowships
Ten highly competitive fellowships each year for early‑career researchers in astronomy, planetary science, cosmology, particle physics and related fields. Relevant to candidates in cosmochemistry, meteoritics and planetary science. Deadlines are usually early September (internal deadlines in July). Suitable applicants typically have strong publication records, evidence of leadership, and several years of postdoctoral experience. STFC also welcomes applicants returning from career breaks.
Royal Commission for the Exhibition of 1851 Fellowships
Three‑year awards that must be held at an institution different from where the PhD was completed. Funding covers salary plus research expenses. Applications require a Head of Department acceptance letter and two references (one from your PhD supervisor, but none from the host institution). Deadlines are normally early January.
Royal Society University Research Fellowships / Dorothy Hodgkin Fellowships
Eight‑year fellowships for outstanding early‑career scientists with 3–8 years’ post‑PhD experience. Open to all nationalities; applicants must not hold a permanent academic post or previous independent fellowship. Deadlines are usually early September. Applications are submitted via Flexigrant and require statements of support from the Head of Department and two referees (one external to your host institution). All components must be completed before institutional approval.
Royal Society Dorothy Hodgkin Fellowships (DHF)
Five‑year fellowships for outstanding early‑career scientists who need a flexible working pattern due to personal circumstances (e.g., caring responsibilities or health issues). Applicants must have a PhD and no more than 6 years’ research experience post‑PhD, and must not hold a permanent academic post. Open to all nationalities. Funding covers salary and research expenses. Deadlines are usually October–early November.
Royal Society Newton International Fellowships
Three‑year fellowships for early‑career researchers currently working outside the UK and who are not UK citizens. Applicants must have a PhD and no more than 7 years’ full‑time postdoctoral experience. Funding covers salary, research expenses, and relocation/visa costs for applicants and dependents. Deadlines are normally March.
Applications are submitted via Flexigrant and require references from:
- UK Head of Sub‑Department
- UK co‑applicant
- Current overseas supervisor
- Two independent referees (not from the applicant’s or co‑applicant’s institution)
All references must be completed in Flexigrant before institutional approval, so referees should be contacted well ahead of the deadline.
Royal Society Career Development Fellowship
A four‑year postdoctoral fellowship supporting the retention of researchers from underrepresented backgrounds in STEM. The pilot round is open to researchers from Black heritage. Applications open November 2023. More details available on the Royal Society website.
Leverhulme Early Career Fellowships
A highly competitive postdoctoral award for early‑career researchers. Cambridge applicants have an exceptional record of securing LECFs and the number of award holders researching in Cambridge has grown steadily over the years. Applications follow a two‑stage process: candidates must first secure matched funding from the University’s Isaac Newton Trust (INT) before submitting a full proposal to the Leverhulme Trust.
- INT internal deadline: early January
- Leverhulme deadline: late February
Further details are available on the INT and Leverhulme webpages.
Cambridge Colleges Junior Research Fellowships (JRFs)
JRFs are offered by individual Cambridge Colleges and are open to researchers in any field unless advertised as subject‑specific. Positions are advertised on College websites and in the University Reporter throughout the year.
Because JRF applications have a distinctive style, applicants are encouraged to contact a relevant Department staff member well in advance for guidance. Panels often include non‑scientists, so proposals must clearly explain the significance of your research to a broad audience.
Applications are typically short and can be reused across multiple Colleges. Begin preparing at least a month before the deadline and apply to all competitions for which you are eligible.
When searching for JRF positions, note that only ones described as 'stipendiary' provide a salary. Research allowances vary and are often small ( e.g. £1000 per year). If your research requires significant funding, discuss options with a staff member who might be interested in collaborating and supporting your research. The Department can also help in terms of access to research facilities on a case-by-case basis. Salaries for these fellowships are generally lower than most other schemes, but fellows often receive additional benefits (e.g. free accommodation in a college and a meal allowance).
Helpful advice from former JRF holders can be found in the linked blog posts.
Some advice on applying to Junior Research Fellowships
Oxbridge JRF Applications – A Brief How-To
Interviews, Part One: Junior Research Fellowships (JRFs)
Deadlines and next steps
These schemes typically run annually, so exact dates may vary slightly each year. You should always check the funder’s website for the most up‑to‑date deadlines, eligibility criteria, and application requirements.
Please note that internal deadlines—for both the Department and the University Research Office—are usually five working days before the funder’s deadline.